Every abused animal deserves
a second chance
A dog starved and chained. A cat hiding from an abuser. For over 25 years, Allegheny County has helped animals like these heal — and you can too.
Your gift pays for the surgeries, medicine, and recovery that give innocent animals a second chance.
- Felix
- Maggie
- Pierre
- Pizza
- Quesadilla
- Helen
- Pete
- Nikki
- Blaze
- Nyx
- Ross
- Cookie
- Ruthie
- Misty
- Zeus
- Duke
- Gus
- Onyx
How your support helps save
and change lives
When an animal is found starved, abused, or abandoned, your donation to AAARF! pays for everything it takes to give them a second chance.
Rescue
Animals are pulled from cruelty, neglect, and hoarding cases and brought to safety.
Medical Care
Your gift funds the surgeries, medication, and treatment their injuries demand.
Recovery
Then the time, care, and patience it takes to heal — in body and spirit.
About the Allegheny Abused Animal Relief Fund
Created in 2001 by the Allegheny County Treasurer and District Attorney, AAARF! lets residents help victims of animal cruelty when they buy or renew their county dog license. A dedicated board — including the DA, shelter leaders, a veterinarian, and everyday animal lovers — reviews every request, giving priority to cases where abusers are being held accountable.
You can save a life today
Thousands of dogs are abandoned every year and struggle to survive on the streets. Without food, medical care, or shelter, many never get a second chance. Your donation helps us rescue, treat, and protect dogs who would otherwise be forgotten.
Donate NowMeet the rescue dogs
looking for a loving home
From dogs to cats, every animal we rescue has a story. Meet a few of the ones your donations have helped.
Cookie
Rescued from a dogfighting ring and renamed for a gentler life, Cookie spent 11 years as AAARF's beloved spokesdog, helping raise over $1 million.
Jonny
Hurt, abandoned, and missing a leg, Jonny made a full recovery and found his forever home in April 2026, thanks to AAARF's support for his care.
Ruthie
Left behind near a vet clinic with a hidden heart defect, Ruthie needed specialist surgery — which AAARF funded to give her a second chance.
How you can help
Every gift pays for the surgeries, medicine, and recovery that abused and neglected animals need. Here are a few ways to give.
Dog license
Add a donation when you buy or renew your Allegheny County dog license — the simplest way to help.
Give online
Make a secure one-time or monthly gift right here on our site.
Mail a check
Prefer to give by mail? Send a check to AAARF!, PO Box 4702, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.
Spread the word
Tell friends and neighbors, and follow AAARF! on Facebook and Instagram.
“Ruthie was abandoned at barely eight weeks old. She weighed almost 2 pounds and had a severe congenital heart defect. AAARF helped me be able to afford her life-saving surgery and give her the life of her dreams. They are literally lifesavers.”
Frequently asked questions
Your support helps us rescue abandoned dogs, provide medical care, and find them loving homes. Below are answers to some common questions about donations.
Donations help cover food, veterinary care, shelter maintenance, and rescue efforts for dogs, cats and other companion animals in need.
Yes, recurring donations help us provide continuous care for rescued dogs.
Yes. AAARF! is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
All donations are processed securely and go directly toward supporting our rescue work.
Help us save more lives
Every rescued dog receives food, shelter, and medical care thanks to supporters who believe in second chances.
Donate NowSecure donations help provide food, care, and shelter for rescued dogs.